A certified copy is an official copy of an original document that has been verified as a true and accurate reproduction. It includes a seal or stamp and a signature from the issuing agency or authorized individual (such as a notary public or government official) to confirm its authenticity.
Key Features of a Certified Copy:
- Stamped or sealed with an official emblem
- Signed by an authorized party
- Marked as “certified” or “true copy”
- Accepted for legal or official use (e.g., court, DMV, passport, immigration)
📝 Note: A certified copy is not the same as a notarized copy, though they’re sometimes required together. Notaries can certify copies of certain documents (like diplomas or IDs) but not vital records such as birth, death, or marriage certificates. Those must come directly from the issuing agency.